Creativity will be put to the test when the Makerspace, a build area in the University of Nevada, Reno Innevation Center, hosts its sixth annual Makerthon – sponsored by Click Bond, Inc., April 24-26, 2026.

This year’s Makerthon competition will feature student teams from the University, as well as local high schools and colleges, who will each compete to invent a new product based on an assigned, real-world challenge. Using the Makerspace’s wide array of tools, machinery and software, the teams will have 48 hours to develop, test, produce and then present prototypes of their products to a panel of judges. The winning team will be presented with a $2,000 prize. 

The Innevation Center hosts the competition in collaboration with title sponsor Click Bond, Inc. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Carson City, Nevada, Click Bond is a premier manufacturer of adhesive-bonded fasteners, offering more than 5,000 products worldwide. Its products are in use on aerospace, defense, marine, automotive, unmanned aerial vehicle, space exploration and industrial applications. 

“Stepping into my first year running Makerthon, I’m excited to see how this competition brings students together across disciplines, schools and experience levels,” Liz Brown, Makerspace manager at the Innevation Center, said. “It’s a remarkable opportunity for them to discover new skills, build confidence with tools and technology, and realize what they’re capable of when given the space to innovate.” 

Before the Makerthon weekend build, participants will meet for a required team briefing while also having the opportunity to tour the Click Bond facility in Carson City on Wednesday, April 1. During the tour of the manufacturing campus, students will see a bonding demonstration of the company’s fastener technology, discover the company’s cutting-edge automated bonding technology and explore its digital solutions, which incorporate AR capabilities as part of the guided bonding process. 

Follow on Instagram, @unrinnevationcenter, to watch a real-time takeover during the weekend’s activities.